Created By: Hannah Davis
Artifact Type: Marking Sampler
Artifact Date: c. 1782
Origin/Region: New Jersey
Material/Medium: Silk thread on linen ground
Museum Database Number: OBA 1959.006.0001
Artifact Condition: Good
Artifact Location: Old Barracks Association Collection
Ownership History: Gift of Vaughn Wiley in memory of his mother, Adaline Darling Eldridge Wiley
The maker of this simple marking sampler was most likely Hannah H. Davis, not Davies. Born to William Davis and his wife Mary Ivins, Hannah was one of ten children.
In 1799 she married David Silver (sometimes recorded as Silvers), who was not a Quaker. Marrying outside the faith was enough to be disowned by the Friends. As was custom, the Women Friends visited Hannah and reported back “she appeared in a tender disposition, but expresst [sic] no desire of retaining her right amongst us”.
Hannah was not alone. Her sister, Abigail, had also married out and was visited by the Women friends around the same time. It was reported Abigail “did not appear so sensible of her breach, as to make satisfaction at this time, it is therefore the judgement of Women friends to testify against her, and refer her case to Men Friends”.
Hannah H. Davies was born the first day of the second month 1774 the daughter of William Davies and Mary Davies born the 24 of Sept
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